Ron Wheeler honoured

[TechMan]

Ron Wheeler, creator of the Wheeler Scout, founder of ultralight flying in Australia and person responsible for bringing CAO95.10 into existence, was presented with a citation (not the cessna kind :big_grin: ) as being the inaugral person inducted onto the RA-Aus Pioneers board (hanging in the board room here at the office) at a presentation held at Dick Smiths property outside of Canberra last sunday.

 

The presentation was made by John Gardon on behalf of Andrew Hicks for RA-Aus with Middo and myself also being there.

 

It was fantastic weather, (to much delight after Friday and Saturday's effort at Wagga) with a good crowd.

 

The proper report will come out in the magazine.

 

A few pics attached.

 

Chris

 

 

 

 

 

Dicks toy and visiting aircraft.

 

All in all, a good handful of helicopters (not the small kind like Robbies or Rotorways, but serious stuff), Lancairs, Glasairs, King Air, RV's, Storch SS4, Alpi Pioneers, Cassut Racer, Seawind, Sea Rey, Cessnas and Pipers all flew in for the BBQ.

 

 

[Student Pilot]

That's good to see Ron getting some recognition. That's a good piccie of Ron and Dick, Dick has a great setup there.

 

"Dickbashing" has become a national pastime for some, I think a lot of Dick and think he's been treated unfairly, we (all Aviators) have a lot to thank him for.

 

 

[Guest ozzie]

Three cheers for Ron Wheeler. AndGOOD ON the RAAus in doing this. It is a shame that most of our pioneers have been forgotton. Some people think that Ultralighting started in 1983. Ron's giant leap backwards turned into a giant stride forward.

 

Chris, it was ANO95:10 which is quite different to todays CAO95:10. But still the base of giving us what we have today.

 

as for 'dickbashing: i consider that totally Un-Australian

 

oz

 

 

[TechMan]

Chris, it was ANO95:10 which is quite different to todays CAO95:10. But still the base of giving us what we have today.

Whoops, you are correct Ozzie. My mistake.

 

Out of interest, Scott Winton is also listed on the Pioneers board as he also contributed greatly to the movement.

 

 

Chris

 

TechMan

 

 

[Guest ozzie]

Chris, I have a large archive of early days publications, photos and home movies. i am constantly adding to it and am working on obtaining all the history of the MAFA from long term ex pres Tim Campbell. Also working on a few others as well.As communication back then between the states (string and tin cans compared to today) was pretty minimal, I would like to ask others of like interest to do the same in there areas.Hopefully it will all find it's way to RAAus for safe keeping.

 

If there is anybody out there who has photos, publications,ect,who would like to contribute please send me a PM.

 

I will state here and now that i do not intend to use anyones l property for personal gain. It is purly for histories sake.

 

Blue skies all

 

 

[Guest DaShadow]

Intersesting photo of the OPEL, it still holds a few world aviation records including altitude af 30,000 feet !! truly a pioneer